News

Suffolk public libraries will go digital on Live-brary.com

Here’s one more reason to get a library card. Using the new website Live-brary.com, Suffolk County public libraries can now download e-books, music and videos, search for jobs, and read historic Suffolk newspapers.
Live-brary.com is a digitized branch through which Suffolk’s 56 public libraries offer the latest premium information sites and social media. The Riverhead Free Library will unveil the site at a launch party on Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., when librarians will demonstrate the online tools.
The website also offers such resources such as homework help, an “Ask a Librarian” chat function available daily until midnight, research databases and information resources in Spanish. Members must enter the barcode from their library cards to gain access to the site.
“Live-brary.com is a one-stop shopping place for people who don’t want to come into the library or just don’t have time but need access to our services and resources from home,” said Jennifer Bollerman, Live-brary.com coordinator at Longwood Public Library. “We’re trying to adapt to those types of patrons.”
It is expected that Longwood Public Library patrons will embrace the the new website because Longwood library already has the highest use of downloadable audio of all county libraries. Designed for all ages, the new website attempts to reach older generations who are now flocking to the internet and learning more advanced computer skills.
The Suffolk County libraries hired a private marketing firm to brand the website so that cardholders can quickly and easily identify the site.
“Branding is an issue in libraries across the country now,” said Suzanne Johnson, assistant director at Longwood Public Library. “Something we hear about in our professional literature is to brand your product just like a successful business. Just because we’re a non-profit agency, we still have those same needs to brand our product.”
The branding of Live-brary.com includes a logo and slogan.
“Just like Pepsi, we have to market our products,” Ms. Johnson said.
[email protected]